Downingtown West senior defender Trisha Yeoell has signed a national letter of intent to play Division 1 lacrosse at Long Island University (Brooklyn).

Yeoell is entering her fourth year as a starter for a Whippets’ team that finished 12-5-1 last year and advanced to the second round of the District 1 playoffs. In 2008, the Whippets won the Ches-Mont League National crown in 2008 and advanced to the District 1 Class AAA semifinals.

Last summer, Trisha helped PA Express place second in the top scholastic girls’ division at the Vail 2009 Shootout.

Yeoell, who plans to major in Math Education or Physical Therapy, loved her visit to Long Island.

“On my official visit, I loved the city, the coaches, and the team chemistry,” she said.

Yeoell has been playing for PA Express for six years, and will be joined at Long Island by teammate Ashley Delaney. Also heading to Long Island is Bishop Shanahan’s Gina Everwein.

Yeoell is excited about the upcoming season and thinks the quantity of senior leadership will go a long way for the Whippets. Recently, midfielder Jaymie Tabnor signed with New Hampshire and defender Katie Bauer has committed to Adrian College (Mich.).

“We have a lot of seniors, and we were already a pretty good team last year,” Yeoell said. “I really want the team to do well because it is my senior year.”